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Horse Trekking

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General

The National Equestrian Survey Report found that the equestrian industry is now the 2nd largest employer in the rural economy (a £2.5 billion industry) and continues to rapidly expand.

This is despite only 4% of the population who actually ride (and many of them are only occasional riders). There are approximately 900,000 horses and ponies in the UK with over 2 million riders (about a third are under 15). Riding lessons worth over £500 million.

For more equestrian statistics please see the British Horse Society leaflet on equine statistics here.

There are over 3,000 riding schools or trekking centres in the UK. Trekking is one of many horse businesses and is closely related to tourism and recreation. It may be suitable for upland or hill units where primary food production from marginal land may be barely profitable.

The farms may be in areas of outstanding natural beauty and lend themselves more to a tourist enterprise. Alternatively, farms on the urban fringe may provide trekking as a recreation and leisure facility.

Please remember that special consideration must be given to the VAT aspects of diversification as the new activity may not be treated the same as the existing farm business from a VAT standpoint.

Market

It is estimated over 2 million million people ride in the UK, and the sport is growing. Location and access to scenic rides are an important factor affecting the potential viability of a pony trekking enterprise.

Most centres will also offer riding lessons and sometimes boost income by providing livery services. Most riders are young females but a significant amount of regular trade will come from families in the surrounding area.

Organised groups outings (schools, guides, etc) may also be a useful source of custom. The main source of competition is from other riding centres in the local area.

Physical Requirements

Land: 1 - 2 acres grazing/horse (well fenced), plus roads, tracks and woodland or hill.

Buildings: Stables for at least half the animals.Tacking-up area. Storage area for tack and feed. Water supply. Field shelter.

Costs

The following costing information is general and current prices should be sought for budgeting purposes.

Capital Costs

Initial costs will be high but obviously will vary with number and quality of ponies.
Ponies: £900 - £1,700/pony (13.2hh - 15hh).
Smaller ponies: £550 - £750.
Loose boxes: £1,100 each. (May be less if conversion of existing farm buildings is possible.)

Running Costs

Bedding ~ £4 - £5 per week Grazing costs £25 - £40 per horse/year Hay @ £2.50 - £4.00 / bale (1-2 bales per week in winter) Concentrates 3kg - 4kg / day @ £0.25/kg Casual labour ~ £700 - £1,000. Insurance Farrier ~£40 per pair of shoes Rates variable. Sundries/maintenance £5.00/horse/week in stables.

Vet & Med can be expensive ~£120 Advertising ~£1,000 p.a. (The BHS estimate it costs £2,500 - £3,000 per year to look after a horse or pony - includes building overheads and staff)

Returns

Season in Scotland lasts 16 - 24 weeks. Based on 105 trekking days. Returns £10-15 per hour, depending on area.

Constraints

High capital cost. Local Authority Licence required. (Riding Establishment Acts 1964 and 1970).

Applicants must be over 18 and suitably qualified. Insurance. Planning permission needed for stables, not for field shelter.

Stables liable to rates. Pasture quality likely to suffer. Good grassland and stock management required.

Training

Local Agricultural Colleges. Part-time and full-time practical courses. The Association of British Riding Schools list of courses. British Horse Society list of training courses.

Grants

Through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013 funding is now available for rural businesses throughout Scotland for diversification and renewable energy projects. Specifically, support is delivered through Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities which was launched in April 2008. For further information about what support is available see the Section on Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities.

Further Information

Publications

The Scottish Equestrian magazine Horse Business Management Reference Handbook. Warwickshire College of Agriculture. 3rd Edit (1990). Running a stables as a business. Janet MacDonald Pub Allens. Farm Development Review Vol 13, No. 2 (Dec. 1998): Equestrian business update

Contact

Mr Steven Thomson
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4192

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